After an enthralling victory over Guastatoya, the Houston Dynamo are set for a tilt against Liga MX giants UANL Tigres in the 2019 Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals.
The Dynamo, led by Mauro Manotas and Alberth Elis, have all the confidence that they can escape victorious. History isn't totally against them, either.
Tigres' recent history against MLS
Despite their domestic success, Tigres' dominance hasn't phased MLS. In 2012/13, the Seattle Sounders eliminated Tigres from the competition as did Toronto FC in 2018. They did have successes over Real Salt Lake and Vancouver Whitecaps over the years, though. Below are the aggregate results between Tigres and MLS opponents:
- 2012-13: Seattle Sounders 3-2 Tigres
- 2015-16: Tigres 3-1 Real Salt Lake
- 2016-17: TIgres 4-1 Vancouver Whitecaps
- 2018: Toronto FC 4-4 Tigres (TFC advance on away goals)
Additionally, Tigres faced MLS in another competition: 2018 Campeones Cup, the inaugural edition of the tournament.
- 2018: Tigres 3-1 Toronto FC
Tigres in CCL
A heavyweight in recent seasons, Tigres have never won the CCL. They made the final in back-to-back competitions, falling to domestic foes America in 2016 then Pachuca in 2017.
As laid out above, MLS sides have eliminated Tigres from the knockout round twice over the last decade. But,
Need to know: Tigres 2019 form, standout players
The club is in fine form yet again, as Tigres currently lead Liga MX's Clausura after eight games played with 19 points.
Striker Andre-Pierre Gignac is still on the top of his game, having scored a team-leading six goals, one behind tying the league-leaders. Only five other players have found the back of the net in league play for Tigres, though, with Enner Valencia tied for second on the team in goals with two. Eduardo Vargas has scored just once while Julian Quinones has yet to find the back of the net.
In CCL this year, Gignac didn't feature in either of the club's opening two games as Valencia netted a hat-trick to lead the club past Saprissa with Vargas adding a goal in their 5-2 aggregate win.
